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When it comes to designing a home, the roles of residential designers and interior designers play distinct yet complementary parts in creating a beautiful and functional space. Residential designers focus on the overall structure and layout of a home, including the architectural elements, floor plans, and exterior aesthetics. They are responsible for the big picture, ensuring that the design of the home meets the needs and preferences of the clients, while adhering to building codes and regulations.

Interior designers delve into the finer details of a space, such as choosing colour schemes, furniture, decor, and lighting. They are also experts in designing millwork details for fireplaces, ceiling details, and built-in cabinetry. Interior designers are skilled in creating cohesive and visually appealing interiors that reflect your style and personality. Our residential and interior designers work closely with clients to understand their preferences and lifestyle to curate spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and comfortable.

Boss Design stands out as a fully integrated design studio that excels in both residential and interior design services. With a team of talented residential and interior designers, Boss Design takes a holistic approach to design, ensuring that every aspect of a project is meticulously planned and executed. Whether it’s conceptualizing a new floor plan or selecting the perfect furnishings, Boss Design is dedicated to creating homes worth living in!

As you cruise down the street in an established neighbourhood in Edmonton, your eyes catch a glimpse of a charming infill home nestled between two traditional houses. The modern design of the infill home stands out against the backdrop of the older structures, its sleek lines and large windows exuding a sense of contemporary elegance. The infill home not only adds a fresh, stylish look to the street but also symbolizes growth, renewal, and a harmonious blend of the old and the new.

Infill homes are more popular than ever and there are many reasons why. Below, we explore some of the benefits of infill homes, as well as some challenges when designing and building this type of house.

Urban Benefits

Infill homes contribute to urban revitalization by filling in gaps within existing neighbourhoods, promoting density, and making more efficient use of land. This can help combat urban sprawl as well as preserve green spaces. Infill homes can also promote walkability, reduce our reliance on cars, and create a more sustainable urban environment.

Sustainable, Modern Design

Incorporating sustainable design features in infill homes, such as energy-efficient systems, can enhance the project’s long-term sustainability. Balancing the integration of modern features with the constraints of the existing site and neighborhood regulations requires careful planning and expertise from expert designers and builders.

Balancing New And Old

Infill homes blend modern design with the character of an established neighbourhood, creating a harmonious mix of old and new.

Community Engagement

Working on infill projects often involves engaging with the local community to address concerns and gain support for the new development. Building good relationships with neighbours can be crucial in ensuring the project’s success and integration into the existing neighborhood.

Challenges

However, there are challenges that come with designing and building infill homes. One major con is the need to navigate through zoning regulations, building codes, and neighborhood restrictions that may limit the design possibilities. Working with a skilled design team that has experience designing infill homes is important to avoid additional headaches down the line.

When designing infill projects, we are careful to balance the desire for innovation with the need to respect the existing neighborhood. Residential designers play a major role in shaping the urban landscape, and creating homes that contribute positively to our communities while meeting the needs of future residents.

As residential home designers, we can attest that modern farmhouse style has become one of the most popular design trends in recent years. This style combines the classic charm of a farmhouse with modern, sleek elements. Here are some features that make a modern farmhouse styled home stand out, featuring our award winning  Lake Country project!

Firstly, the exterior of a modern farmhouse styled home usually features a balanced design with a gabled roof, modestly sized windows, and a welcoming front porch. These elements create a charming and inviting feel that is characteristic of the farmhouse style.

Secondly, the interior of a modern farmhouse styled home often features an open floor plan with plenty of natural light. The colour scheme is usually light and neutral, with pops of colour added in through decor, if desired. Elements such as exposed beams, and wood accents, add to the rustic charm of the home, while black windows are popular inclusions that create that modern look we are after.

Thirdly, modern farmhouse styled homes often include a mix of vintage and modern elements. This can be seen in the use of antique furniture pieces mixed with sleek, modern finishes. This creates a unique and eclectic feel that is both charming and contemporary.

A modern farmhouse styled home is a perfect blend of classic and contemporary design elements. It’s a style that exudes warmth, comfort, and a sense of timelessness. If you’re thinking of designing a home with this style, our firm are experts in incorporating these key features to create a modern farmhouse home worth living in.

So here you are, deciding to embark on one of the most thrilling journeys that a family is ever likely to take. For most people, designing and building a home is the largest single investment they ever make. Surprisingly though, many people begin this process with very little information and quickly become overwhelmed with decisions. All too often, these important decisions are made spontaneously with little consideration on how they may affect the future use of the home. Whether you have decided to design and build your first family home, or the retirement home of your dreams, this blog post outlines those very first considerations that need to be thought through.

Determine a Budget

The very first thing that should be considered when building a new home is budget. It is critical that a lot of attention be given to this area in the early stages, because clients and architects can easily get carried away with design ideas that may blow a budget out of the water. A house plan that is designed unrealistically large or with too many extras, is merely a waste of time and money. The client is left with an unfeasible plan that doesn’t coincide with their financial limitations. Sitting down and considering needs and affordability, either alone or with a builder, can save considerable set-backs. A builder is able to discuss how different sizes and options directly affect a budget.

Occasionally, other costs are overlooked when designing a house. Costs like landscaping, appliances, new furniture, window coverings, sales tax and even property taxes are important to factor in. This can cause an unexpected financial hardship in years to come, if they aren’t factored into the budget. Generally, the larger the house, the more expensive these “additional costs” are. Those points may call for a re-evaluation of the budget. Establishing a budget helps to initiate the design process and provide momentum to move forward. Clients doing research gain a lot of information and understanding. This enables them to make calculated decisions that not only work for today, but also for the days and years to come

Compile a Wish List

Ideas are everywhere! Resources such as magazines, books, show homes, and the internet will provide clients with countless options and inspiration to create their dream home.

Some items that could be included in a wish list are:

• Window styles—(bay windows, grille patterns, window geometry, colors, etc.)
• Fireplace designs—(stone work, mantles, hearths, interior/exterior, etc.)
• Interior details—(arches, niches, bulkheads, columns, etc.)
• Room styles—(dining room, great room, ensuite, theatre, etc.)
• Kitchen designs—(traditional, Victorian, modern, islands, cook tops, etc.)
• Stair orientations—(curved, open risers, angled, square, railings, etc.)
• Lighting ideas—(pot lighting, kitchen lighting, exterior lighting, etc.)
• Ceiling treatments—(vaulted ceilings, raised ceiling, tray ceilings, bulkheads, etc.)
• Exterior façade—(exterior finishes, roof designs, entrances, etc.)

Creating a wish list is a valuable exercise while designing a custom home or selecting a stock house plan. Before meeting with a designer, it is highly suggested that a client compile a list of everything they like and would want to have incorporated in their house. This will improve communication between the architect and the client, allowing the professional to offer advice and guidance about which items will compliment the overall design. Magazines and books will often showcase high-end finishes and options photographed by professional photographers. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution in what it might take to make those ideas a reality.

Decide on location and a site

Before beginning the design process, it is recommended, and sometimes necessary, to visit the building site. Every site provides unique conditions that can make a huge impact on how the potential house should be designed. Conditions such as orientation to the sun, slope of the land, attractive views, and neighboring homes need to be taken into consideration.

Knowing that the sun rises in the east, and then continues on a southerly course before setting in the west, can impact many design decisions in a home. The homeowner should consider which rooms they want to receive the morning, day and evening sun. In conjunction with room placement, the positioning of windows will maximize the amount of natural light and radiant heat entering the house. Grading and natural land contours may present opportunities for raised patios, deeper basement windows, and walkout basements. Depending on the slope of the land, it may be more practical to use a particular house style; whether it be a bungalow, bi-level, or two story. Many building sites provide attractive views of treed areas, parks, or green spaces. These should be taken advantage of when designing both the house layout and outdoor leisure spaces.

Construction within a city, town, or subdivision amplifies the importance of reviewing the site plan. Jurisdictions within these areas dictate guidelines which must be followed when designing a house. House width, depth, height, window size and placement, and site coverage, are all factors that the jurisdiction reviews before issuing permits. It is critical to be aware of what limitations each site presents in order to prevent setbacks that will cost the homeowner time and money.

On the flip side, sometimes a client has already selected their dream house plan before finding an appropriate location. If this is the case, it then becomes important to consider the above factors when looking for a potential building site. Although it is easy to become attached to a particular house plan, it is important not to ignore the advantages that a site offers. When elements on a building site are considered, the end result is a house that works in its surroundings, and surroundings that compliment the house.

While the process of building a custom house can feel daunting, it is important to take your time on these necessary steps to ensure the most positive outcome for you and your family. We encourage clients to come and speak to us early on in the process to help guide the conversations and become educated on undertaking this kind of investment of time and money.

Deciding on your design style is an essential part of taking on a design project. This is what gives a space its unique look and feel. While there are many different types of styles available to choose from, we have found many of our clients fall into one or some of each of these styles shared below. Among the most popular design styles today are Mid Century Modern, Farmhouse (both Traditional or Modern), Modern, and Traditional. Each of these styles has its own distinct characteristics that make them stand out. 

Mid Century Modern is a design style characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and the use of natural materials such as wood, leather, and metal. This style is known for its functionality and simplicity. It often features bold colors and geometric patterns. The architecture plans in these types of homes often includes a wide and low footprint, with transom or floor to ceiling windows. The furniture in this style is often low to the ground and has a minimalist look.

Farmhouse design style is perfect for those who want a cozy and warm feel in their homes. This style features natural materials like wood, brick, and stone. The more modern farmhouse style is often characterized by a mix of vintage and modern elements, creating a rustic yet modern look, while the traditional farmhouse style will often incorporate a more french country feel with arches and detailed millwork. This style also features neutral colors like white, beige, and gray.

Modern design style is characterized by clean lines and simplicity. This style features neutral colors like white, black, and gray, but it often incorporates bold accents and bright colors. The furniture in this style is often sleek and minimalistic, with an emphasis on functionality. The architectural style of a modern home is often highlighted by straight, clean lines and a boxy appearance.

Traditional design style is known for its elegance and sophistication. It is characterized by classic and ornate details, and rich colors. This style often features wood paneling, molding, and intricate patterns. The furniture in this style is often grand and luxurious, with a focus on comfort and style.

There are many different design styles to choose from, each with its own unique features and characteristics –  And best of all, you don’t need to decide all the details on your own! Whether you prefer the simplicity of Mid Century Modern, the rustic charm of  a Farmhouse style, the sleekness of Modern design, or the elegance of a Traditional home, there is a style out there that will suit your taste and personality and we are experts in helping you decode your unique design style!

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Tiny homes, garden suites, and smaller footprint homes are taking over our city as homeowners opt for less space, maintenance and cost in their homes. As residential designers, we know that creating a functional yet stylish living space can be a challenge, especially when designing for smaller spaces. However, with a little creativity and planning, it is possible to make the most of your smaller home. Here are some tips for downsizing and creating a smaller home with purpose.

First, consider creating multi-purpose spaces. For example, a guest room can also double as a home office by using a murphy bed and desk combo. A living room can also serve as a dining area by incorporating a table that can be easily stowed away or retracted in some way. By combining multiple functions into one space, you can maximize the use of your square footage.

Second, embrace multi-use furniture. Choose pieces that can serve more than one purpose, such as a sofa bed, murphy bed or storage ottoman. A coffee table with built-in storage is another great option. Look for furniture that is both stylish and practical to get the most out of your space.

Finally, make sure you have plenty of storage. This is essential when downsizing to a smaller home. Consider using vertical space with tall bookcases or shelving units. Opt for furniture with built-in storage, such as a bed with drawers underneath. And don’t forget about hidden storage options, such as under-stair storage or a storage bench.

Downsizing or living in a smaller space can be a challenge, but with the right approach and right design team behind you, it can also be an opportunity to create a functional and stylish living space. By creating multi-purpose spaces, embracing functional furniture, and maximizing your storage options, you can make the most of your smaller home!

Hiring a residential or interior designer is a crucial step in making your dream home or space a reality. However, finding the right fit can sometimes be a challenge. When you are making such a large investment, over the period of many months of work, you want to ensure that you and your designer are a good fit. Here are some tips for determining if a design firm is a good match for your project:

Look at their portfolio

A designer’s portfolio  will give you a good idea of their design style, aesthetic, and experience. Check if their previous projects align with your vision for your space. Make sure that your residential designer won’t re-create the same project over and over, and you trust that you will get something new, unique, and tailored to your taste and vision – not just the designer’s preferred style. 

Check their reviews

It’s always a good idea to read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to see if they were satisfied with the designer’s work, communication, and overall experience. Often, successful designers will be happy to provide references that you can speak to directly to ask questions as well.

Ask about their process

A good designer will have a clear process for working with clients, including how they gather information, present ideas, and handle revisions. They should also be able to share their process with you in a direct way that you understand. 

Consider their communication style

Communication is key when working with a residential designer. Make sure you feel comfortable with their communication style and that they are responsive to your needs. Ensure that they will communicate design intent in a way that works for you as well – whether that is through floorplans and mood boards, or detailed 3D renderings.

Discuss your budget

Be upfront about your budget and ask the designer how they typically work within different budget ranges. A good designer will be able to create a beautiful space within your budget  and also be clear about what is possible within the parameters of what you are willing to invest.

By considering these factors, you can feel confident in finding a residential designer who is the right fit for your project. If you have any questions about working with a design firm, feel free to reach out to our friendly team here.

Boss Design has been using 3D renderings as a communication tool for many years and we strongly believe that they are a useful and important tool when designing homes. 3D renderings have become an essential tool for many architects and designers in our modern world. Below are four reasons why we believe 3D renderings are an invaluable tool to residential design:

Improved visualization: 3D renderings offer a realistic view of the finished project, allowing our clients to visualize our design and ideas in a more tangible way. This helps in identifying design flaws, refining details, and making necessary changes at an early stage – which saves our clients money, headaches, and time. We like to mention to our clients that designing in 3D is similar to investing in insurance on something to guarantee a good result. It’s also incredibly useful to mock up multiple different color and material schemes. 

Effective communication: 3D renderings help in communicating the design intent to clients and stakeholders in a more effective manner. This is because 3D renderings show what it will actually look like in real life when it’s built and are easier to understand than 2D drawings. They can convey important design features and details that might be missed in 2D drawings.

Cost-effective: 3D renderings are a cost-effective alternative to dated physical models. They save time and money by allowing architects and designers to make changes to the design without having to create a new physical model each time. While the process to create 3D renderings is still time consuming, it still takes less time to build than the traditional physical models of the past.

Marketing tool: 3D renderings can be also used as a marketing tool to showcase designs to potential clients, investors, and stakeholders. Boss Design often works with builders to design new homes for sale. By creating these 3D renderings for these projects, we can help in creating a buzz around the project and generate interest even before the project is complete!

3D renderings have become an indispensable tool for architects and designers in the modern world. They allow us to share and communicate our design intent with homeowners, builders, and even the public! We love to update our skills and experiment with new platforms as the technology develops so we can be sure to create the best 3D renderings that showcase our talent, design skills, and vision.

Building a custom home is an exciting yet often overwhelming experience. There are so many decisions to be made, and that can be stressful when you’re trying to make the most of your budget and create a legacy home in the process. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced team of architectural and interior designers—a firm who can help you understand all the options available to you and guide you through the process of making these big decisions. 

But how do you get the best out of your design investment? What can you do as a client to ensure that the project runs smoothly? Below are three ways that you can get the most out of your investment with a design team.

Trust the experts

Our team has a combined industry experience of 100 years, and we use that knowledge and experience wisely to design unique and beautiful homes that are custom tailored to your needs. By investing in the right team, you will save money in the long run by making the right design decisions which will protect your investment for many years to come. We have worked with many talented builders throughout our years and are happy to recommend builders to you that we trust and have personally worked with so you can be sure that you’re investing properly in both design and execution. 

Know what you want

While we can design a custom home that is uniquely yours, we also need to have clear parameters and information about how to move forward with your project. Knowing your goals and budget is a great starting point. We will also ask you questions about your style, aesthetic, family needs, future plans, etc. When you have a clear direction of what this custom home needs to be, we can help take your ideas from dreams to reality.

Communicate with your team

Communication is key when designing a new home. There are so many decisions to be made and questions to answer and in order to keep the project moving forward, we need answers from you. It’s important that you are ready to make decisions as this will keep the project from being stalled. Finally, remember that no matter how much planning and communication goes into your project, there will always be unexpected challenges along the way; this is where good communication comes into play: when things get difficult!

Final Thoughts

Working with design experts is an exciting and enjoyable process and we are passionate about helping our clients create the homes of their dreams. If you are ready to dive into a custom home design project or have questions about how best to move forward, contact our team to discuss your project.